Director of Worship & Music

Contact Mark by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Or you can call 636-441-7425 X-218

Primary Duties:  Since 1996 I have been the full-time Director of Worship and Music here at Zion Lutheran Church and School.  Functioning as the primary organist, I also direct two handbell groups, five choirs and three instrumental ensembles.  In addition, I also assist the pastoral staff by planning Worship Services, preparing the weekly worship bulletins and overseeing all Worship Ministry teams.

Background:  Graduating in 1989 from Concordia University, Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, I began my ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church & School in Melrose Park, IL (1989-1996) where I served as 7th grade teacher and music director.  While there, I began work on a Master's Degree in Church Music from Concordia University Chicago.  That degree was completed in 1999.

Family:  I have a wonderful family.  My wife, Teresa, is the Band Director and Music Assistant at Zion.  My daughter, Bethany, is a senior at Lutheran High School and plays the violin, piano and various percussion instruments.  My daughter, Rebekah, is a sophomore at LHS and plays the same instruments as her sister.  My son, Daniel, is in 6th grade at Zion Lutheran School.  He loves sports and plays the violin, piano and bass clarinet.  You can probably tell that our family eats, breathes and sleeps music!

Hobbies:  I enjoy sports and love to play them.  Right now, my favorite hobby is golf.  Volleyball is another hobby that I enjoy.  I used to be known as the "spiking Machine" when I first got to Zion.  Not many people wanted to be on the other side of the net from me.  I also enjoy watching the Rams and the Cardinals.

Ministry Goal:  My goal at Zion is to be an effective leader of the church's song.  I love to hear people singing and instruments sounding in worship.  So. Psalm 150:6 is very meaningful to me: "Let everything that has breath praise, the Lord!"